Bail_Gadi_Driver
BANNED
New Recruit
- Joined
- May 22, 2011
- Messages
- 93
- Reaction score
- 0
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has the highest number of drug addicts in the world, said Director Anti-Narcotic Force Anwar Hafeez.
He was addressing a seminar on Role of public representatives and civil society against drug abuse here Tuesday at a local hotel. The seminar was held as part of an anti-drug campaign launched by Rawalpindi Arts Council.
Anwar said according to a survey conducted in 2001, the total number of drug addicts in Pakistan was around four million, out of which half a million were chronic heroine addicts. He added that injecting drugs was a major cause of spread of HIV/AIDS among the younger generation and if not checked, could lead to an epidemic.
Highlighting the functions of the Anti-Narcotics Force, he said the force also played a role in reducing demand reduction of drugs in the country.
Anwar expressed concern regarding the rehabilitation facilities provided to drug abusers. He believes that the existing facilities should be upgraded with better staff, including a psychologist.
This problem cannot be solved by one organisation alone, citizens should also cooperate and help promote the anti-drug campaign, he said. Potohar Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Raja reinforcing what Anwar Hafeez said announced that he would look into the matter of improving the rehabilitation facilities.
Special Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Raja Mohammad Nasir, who was the chief guest, also addressed the gathering. He pointed out that the prevalence of drug abuse was higher in rural and remote areas where people lacked information. He said there was a need to create awareness in these areas.
Raja Nasir announced that the government would soon launch an anti-drug campaign which would be carried out at all levels. Seminars would be held starting from the first week of July at the district level to educate people in rural areas about the harmful affects of drug abuse. He also said the government was ready to grant funds for promotion of the anti-drug campaign started by Rawalpindi Arts Council.
He was addressing a seminar on Role of public representatives and civil society against drug abuse here Tuesday at a local hotel. The seminar was held as part of an anti-drug campaign launched by Rawalpindi Arts Council.
Anwar said according to a survey conducted in 2001, the total number of drug addicts in Pakistan was around four million, out of which half a million were chronic heroine addicts. He added that injecting drugs was a major cause of spread of HIV/AIDS among the younger generation and if not checked, could lead to an epidemic.
Highlighting the functions of the Anti-Narcotics Force, he said the force also played a role in reducing demand reduction of drugs in the country.
Anwar expressed concern regarding the rehabilitation facilities provided to drug abusers. He believes that the existing facilities should be upgraded with better staff, including a psychologist.
This problem cannot be solved by one organisation alone, citizens should also cooperate and help promote the anti-drug campaign, he said. Potohar Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Raja reinforcing what Anwar Hafeez said announced that he would look into the matter of improving the rehabilitation facilities.
Special Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Raja Mohammad Nasir, who was the chief guest, also addressed the gathering. He pointed out that the prevalence of drug abuse was higher in rural and remote areas where people lacked information. He said there was a need to create awareness in these areas.
Raja Nasir announced that the government would soon launch an anti-drug campaign which would be carried out at all levels. Seminars would be held starting from the first week of July at the district level to educate people in rural areas about the harmful affects of drug abuse. He also said the government was ready to grant funds for promotion of the anti-drug campaign started by Rawalpindi Arts Council.
